Non-melanoma Skin Cancer

What is Non-melanoma skin cancer

Non-melanoma skin cancer includes two types: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

As the names suggest, basal cell carcinoma arises from the uncontrolled multiplication of basal cells, and squamous cell carcinoma from the uncontrolled multiplication of squamous cells.

• Basal cells and squamous cells are both found in the epidermis (outer layer) of the skin.
• Basal cells are small, round cells found in the lower part of the epidermis.
• Squamous cells are flat, scale-like cells found in the upper part of the epidermis.

Like all skin cancers, exposure to sunlight (UV light) is the biggest cause of non-melanoma skin cancer. Other things that increase the risk are fair-coloured skin and older age.

Can it be treated?

• Yes, there are a number of treatment options, including surgery, photodynamic therapy, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
• The choice of therapy depends on a number of factors, including the stage of the cancer (whether it has spread or not).
• Fortunately, most basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas can be cured with fairly minor surgery or other types of local treatment.

What is actinic keratosis?

• Actinic keratosis is an early form of non-melanoma skin cancer.
• Overexposure to the sun over long periods causes keratinocytes – the main type of cells in the epidermis – to multiple more quickly.
• This results in the development of small, rough or scaly spots. These usually develop on the face, nose, ears and (bald) scalp – the so-called ‘sun-terraces’ of the skin.

What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

This cancer develops from basal cells in the deepest layer of the upper skin (epidermis). Basal Cell Carcinoma may start as a small lump that gets bigger. The edges usually have a shiny or pearly look. The middle is usually depressed (sunken). Sometimes the middle becomes an ulcer, a sore hole. Or sometimes there is a crust in the middle. Early treatment reduces the risk of other types of tissue being affected.It is very rare for a basal cell carcinoma to spread to other parts of the body, but it is possible to have more than one basal cell cancer at any one time.

What is Bowen's Disease?

These commonly show themselves as red scaly patches, which usually occur on light exposed areas for example lower legs, arms and face. These areas have abnormal skin cells. Very rarely these abnormal cells develop into a low grade form of cancer.

Further information

Cancer Research UK (Click here)

Patient.co.uk (Click here)

American Cancer Society. Skin Cancer: Basal and Squamous (Click here)

References

Molecular Mechanisms of Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Reichrath J (ed). Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. 2006.

Skin Cancer: Basal and Squamous Cell. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skincancer-basalandsquamouscell/detailedguide/skin-cancer-basal-and-squamous-cell-what-is-basal-and-squamous-cell
[Accessed 2 November 2012].